Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, February 15, 2001
Keith George Ruiz
Deputy Sheriff Keith Ruiz was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant.
Deputy Ruiz's unit was working with the Capital Area Narcotics Task Force. As the officers attempted to enter the mobile home, they identified themselves and the suspect immediately opened fire, striking Deputy Ruiz in the chest between two panels on his vest. Another deputy returned fire wounding the suspect in the hand. Deputy Ruiz was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect was charged with capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Ruiz had served with the Travis County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 52 ReflectionsI was a young officer with the Austin Police Department who had just pulled into the old jail to book a prisoner. One more day would be "my Friday" but this particular Thursday night changed me. When I heard about the shooting, as a young officer, I was rocked to the core. Your line of duty death was the first of many others unfortunately that will forever be etched in my mind. Attending the funeral to support your memory and your family was the part of law enforcement that I never wanted to know intimately. Almost 18 years later, I still remember it all like yesterday.
RIP and my God continue to comfort Bern and your family.
Former Officer
Austin Police Department
November 24, 2018
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